Mercedes-Benz GLE vs. GLA

The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 are both excellent sport utility vehicles. To find out which one is right for you, read on below as we compare their features and add-ons.

Powerful Engines and Efficient Transmissions

The 2021 GLA 250 rolls off the assembly line in three impressive trim levels: the GLA 250, GLA 250 4MATIC®, and AMG® GLA 35. In contrast, the 2021 GLE 350 has one trim level of the same name. The 250 comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And its dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission is extremely efficient, smooth shifting, and precise, making it ideal for high-performance driving. The 350, on the other hand, comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter engine that generates 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Both vehicles feature the ECO-START® system, which cuts off the engine when you stop and restarts it when you hit the gas. This system will save you a lot on gas that is normally lost when idling. Also, the 250 has front-wheel drive, while the 350 comes with rear-wheel drive. That said, both are available with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. The 4MATIC® system improves traction, handling, and efficiency for a safer and seamless driving experience.

Sharp and Stylish Exteriors

Image via Flickr by Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine

The exteriors of both SUVs are more round-bodied than their boxy counterparts’ exteriors. This design makes the vehicles more aerodynamic, increasing efficiency as a result. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250’s exterior includes a pair of large headlights, a black grille with a large chrome crossbar (featuring the company symbol at its center), and moderately deep body lines along the hood and lower flanks.

By contrast, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 uses a larger black grille with two chrome crossbars, though also with the company symbol at its center. Its headlights have less of an angle to them than the 250’s. Plus, its front bumper and vent area are larger, allowing for superior air intake for the engine.

Exterior features on the 2021 GLA 250 include LED brake lights, deep-tinted glass, front and rear fog lamps, a powered liftgate for easy cargo area access, and a lip spoiler. Also on the outside are 18-inch five-spoke wheels, chrome body trim and handles, and heated sideview mirrors with built-in turn signals. Further, the vehicle comes with rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers and heated windshield solution jets, making cold-weather driving effortless.

In comparison, the 2021 GLE 350 has external features like speed-sensitive rain-detecting fixed-interval windshield wipers, LED brake lights, a power liftgate, and a lip spoiler. It adds power-folding sideview mirrors with turn signals, aluminum window and windshield trim, 19-inch five-spoke wheels, and body-colored door handles.

Superbly Comfortable Interiors

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, though genuine leather upholstery is available. However, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 offers standard MB-Tex leatherette upholstery, with genuine leather and premium Nappa leather upholstery as upgrades. The 250 seats five people, while the 350 seats up to seven. Interior features in the 250 include one-touch up and down power windows, a urethane gear shifter, three 12-volt DC power outlets, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and a day-night rearview mirror.

The interior features of the 350 include an HVAC system with under-seat ducts and residual heat recirculation, heated power seats with memory settings, a live traffic display, and a valet function. But that’s not all. Other popular appointments inside this model are a Nappa leather steering wheel, four-way lumbar support in the bucket seats, cruise control, four 12-volt DC power outlets, and more. The vehicle tacks on cruise control, an auto-locking hatch, wood and metal-look interior accents, a GPS navigation system, and dual-zone front automatic air conditioning.

Remarkable Clusters of Entertainment Features

Entertainment is a big factor when old and new generations are shopping for a vehicle. Knowing this, we explore the GLE and GLA further, this time in how they keep us engaged either in the driver or passenger seat. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 uses a window grid antenna for superior signal strength, a pair of front-row LCD monitors for the infotainment center, and a six-speaker sound system for an immersive listening experience.

Other entertainment features on the 250 include AM/FM/HD satellite radio, steering wheel controls for the radio, the MBUX multimedia infotainment system, and voice-activated Mercedes Me Connect service. Connectivity tools start with four USB charging ports, so you can easily keep the driver’s and passengers’ devices charged. Bluetooth® capability is also standard and perfect for hands-free calling and texting.

On the other hand, the entertainment features in the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 are more diverse. They include an HD radio system, SiriusXM satellite radio, a streaming audio system, the MBUX voice-control system, and a 12-inch wide-screen media system display. The MBUX multimedia infotainment system is available with five USB data ports and three USB charge ports. Other amenities on this SUV include a speed-compensating volume system, a radio data system, and Weatherbrand external memory control.

Proven High-Tech Safety Systems

Safety is everyone’s No. 1 must-have. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz 350 pack a variety of traditional and high-tech safety systems. The former offers a tire-specific pressure warning system, the eCall emergency SOS system, rear child safety locks, BabySmart child seat sensors, etc. Other high-tech safety features on the 250 include a blind-spot reaction assistance system, active brake assistance with autonomous emergency braking, and a forward collision mitigation system. For more orthodox protection, this SUV comes with a set of seven air bags, including overhead curtain and dual-stage front versions.

Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 has driver monitoring alert, ABS driveline traction control, a backup camera, blind-spot warning and assistance systems, roll stability control, and active parking assistance with automated sensors. It comes with the Mercedes Pre-Safe System as well. This system tightens seatbelts, repositions headrests and seats, and closes windows and sunroofs during collision, increasing driver and passenger safety.

Both of these Mercedes-Benz SUVs are ideal for commuting, road trips, and long-distance family vacations. To find out more about them, head over to Mercedes-Benz of Tyler, Texas. Our staff excels at sifting through our exceptional inventory to find the perfect Mercedes-Benz for you.